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Dr
Pradeep Kumar
Colorectal cancers are
tumors of the large
intestine and the rectum.
These are nearly 90 percent
preventable, because benign
colon polyps (grape like
growths on the lining of the
colon) change into cancers.
Colonoscopic screening tests
can detect polyps so that
they can be removed before
they ever become cancers. An
estimated 145,290 people
will be diagnosed with
colorectal cancer in 2005 It
affects men and women
equally. It is the second
leading cause of cancer
deaths in both men and women
in the United States.
Who's At
Risk?
Colorectal cancer can affect
anyone. Men and women age 50
and older are at SIGNIFICANT
average risk and should have
regular screening. Some
people are at GREATER risk
for colorectal cancer and
may need an earlier checkup
(40 years or younger). These
include people with:
-
A
personal or family
history or colorectal
polyps, colorectal
cancer or inflammatory
bowel disease.
-
A
family history of
hereditary or familial
colon cancer syndromes
When To
Get Screened?
There
are several colorectal
screening tests available.
Beginning at age 50 the best
strategy for an AVERAGE risk
person without warning
symptoms, is:
Men
and women at higher risk
should talk with their
health care professional
about what test they should
have and when. More frequent
and earlier testing may be
right for you.
Warning symptoms include
rectal bleeding, change in
bowel habits, anemia
unintended weight loss, new
onset constipation or
diarrhea, abdominal
discomfort or swelling in
the abdominal area.
Immediate evaluation is
advised if any of these
conditions are noted.
What are
symptoms of Polyps?
Most
polyps are entirely without
symptoms. These are only
detectable when the colon is
examined. A colonoscopy
identifies these most
accurately and makes it
possible to remove them. The
test is done under sedation
and is painless for most
patients.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar is a Board
Certified Gastroenterologist
in the Jeannette/Greensburg
area. Please call 724 837
8118 to make an appointment.
He can also be reached
through Lowry, Surgicenter
in Jeannette at 724 527
2885. Please schedule a
walkthough and free nurse
consultation at 724 527 2885
Ext. 20
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